The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Professor Babatola Ayodele, on Friday led members of the university management team on a courtesy visit to the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). The visit, which was held at ABUAD’s expansive campus in Ado Ekiti, was marked by warmth, goodwill, and mutual respect between the two prominent institutions.
During the visit, the EKSU delegation was warmly received by Aare Afe Babalola, a legal luminary and education icon whose investments in higher education have contributed significantly to the development of the sector in Nigeria. In his remarks, Afe Babalola commended the EKSU Vice Chancellor and his team for their leadership and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting the growth and advancement of the state-owned university.
Professor Babatola Ayodele, in his address, expressed profound appreciation to Aare Afe Babalola for his enduring contributions to education, not only in Ekiti State but across Nigeria. He described ABUAD as a shining model of what visionary leadership and purposeful investment can achieve in the education sector, stressing that EKSU continues to learn from ABUAD’s innovations and standards.
The EKSU Vice Chancellor highlighted the importance of collaboration between both universities, noting that shared resources, mentorship, and infrastructural development could foster academic excellence in the state. He assured Aare Afe Babalola that EKSU under his leadership would remain committed to excellence, transparency, and innovation.
In his response, Aare Afe Babalola reiterated his long-standing passion for EKSU, formerly known as the University of Ado Ekiti, where he had previously made landmark contributions. He pledged continuous support for the institution in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, and human capital development. He urged the management of EKSU to remain focused on building a legacy of quality education for future generations.
Part of the visit included a tour of ABUAD’s world-class facilities. The EKSU management team was conducted around the university’s academic complexes, cutting-edge laboratories, and the ABUAD Multisystem Hospital, widely acclaimed as one of the best private medical facilities in Nigeria. The tour left the EKSU delegation impressed with the scale of investment and the attention to detail in ABUAD’s infrastructure.
Professor Ayodele particularly commended the ABUAD Multisystem Hospital, describing it as a monumental contribution to healthcare delivery in Nigeria. He noted that the facility not only serves as a training ground for medical students but also provides top-quality healthcare services to the wider society, thereby bridging the gap between education and community service.
The visit also provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore potential areas of collaboration in research, staff training, medical education, and entrepreneurial development. Both leaders emphasized the need for synergy in addressing the challenges facing Nigerian universities, including funding, infrastructure, and the global competitiveness of graduates.
Observers at the visit noted that the meeting was symbolic of a new phase of cooperation between EKSU and ABUAD. It also underscored the influence of Aare Afe Babalola in shaping the educational landscape of Ekiti State, with EKSU benefitting immensely from his guidance and generosity over the years.
As the visit came to a close, both parties expressed optimism about the future of education in Ekiti State. With Afe Babalola’s continued support and EKSU’s renewed vision under Professor Babatola Ayodele, stakeholders believe the partnership could herald a brighter era for higher education in the state and beyond.
